Page 42 of Secured By the Buyer

Before I’m forced to make up an answer, Liam’s voice sounds from the entrance to the library. “Has anyone seen Milo?”

I stand from the chair and turn toward him. “Right here,darling.”

His gaze sweeps over me, heating my skin in a way I would have craved earlier, but now only serves to fuel my irritation.

He steps farther into the room. “When I went to check how you were doing, the room was empty. I gotworried.”

My hand tightens around the delicate teacup, but my words come out sugar-sweet. “You must not have beentooworried. Did you enjoy your little distraction with your brother’s husband,my Alpha?”

Into the silence that follows, Jade whispers, “Oh shit, Liam, you better run. Murder kitten is back, and he has a spoon.”

Ignoring Jade’s comment, my attention remains fixed on Liam.

Either the man enjoys being stabbed, or he underestimates my displeasure, because he comes farther into the room. “Did you get anxious when you didn’t find me right away, princess?”

“What’s to be anxious about?” I bristle at the implication, disliking how close he hit to home. “I’ve lived my entire life without you.”

“How long has that life been, exactly?” Jade chimes in.

“Shut up, Jade,” Liam snaps, taking another step toward me.

The teacup rattles in my hand, hot liquid sloshing over the sides. I don’t like this sting of vulnerability, but outside forces shoved me and Liam together. He’s doing the honorable thing, but if his heart wants someone else…

Then I’ll claw my way inside. I’ve never been altruistic. There will be no stepping aside so he can be with another.

Liam stops with an arm’s width still between us, his face softening. “I’m not abandoning you, princess.”

“If you’re my Alpha, you shouldn’t be mooning over some other Omega,” I snap. “Unless that was all lip service?”

Liam inches into striking distance. “Didn’t I say you’re the sweetest Omega I’ve ever met?”

“You did,” I admit, my suspicion wavering.

Gently, Liam wraps his hand around the teacup, removing it from my hold. “If we hadn’t both been at work, I would’ve swept you off your feet right then. You’re all I’ve thought about since you fell into my arms.”

A gagging sound from behind us breaks the tension, and I half-turn to catch Jade snapping his mouth closed.

Leo shushes him. “Leave them alone. It’s romantic.”

Liam ignores their commentary as he sets the cup on a side table before turning back to me, taking in my new outfit again. “Look at how lovely you are. Did you pick this out with me in mind?”

A blush creeps up my cheeks as I duck my head. “Maybe.”

Closing the remaining distance between us, Liam cups the back of my bare neck. “You’re damn near irresistible, princess. I’ll give you whatever you want, so don’t doubt me, okay?”

“Okay.” I reach out to hook my fingers in his belt, the leather warm to the touch as I pull him closer with a sweet smile. “Then I want you to fuck me, or the next thing I order will be a dildo so I can do it myself.”

The sound of Jade’s cackling pierces the air, almost falling off the couch as he clutches his sides.

Nolan shakes his head. “You can take the cat out of the alley, but you can’t take the alley out of the cat.”

Leo glares at Liam and rubs his huge belly. “Penetrative sex won’t jeopardize any potential babies, so stop being a neglectful Alpha.”

When everyone turns to the angelic man in horror, he huffs. “Oh, grow up. The Mark is obvious from here.”

“All right, that’s enough family time.” Liam clasps my hand, drawing me out of the library.

“Call me if you need help with the shopping!”Jade calls after us. “I have the names of some custom stores!”

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